Do the Tampa Bay Lightning have a need for another forward? Possibly. The status of Zemgus Girgensons is still unknown, and with the team getting ready to head out west, it’s possible they may burn another recall to strengthen their forward depth. If Girgensons isn’t ready to go, it could be time for Dylan Duke to get a nice look with the Bolts.
The 23-year-old forward is having a career year for the Syracuse Crunch as he’s posted 49 points (29 goals, 20 assists) in 59 games. Sixteen of those goals have come on the power play, which leads the AHL. After ripping off points in ten of eleven games, Duke has hit a small slump having not recorded a point in his last three outings. It’s the first time he’s not had a point in back-to-back games since December.
While Duke has been playing top-line minutes with the Crunch, his style of play would fit in with the Lightning’s bottom-six. He plays a high-energy style that would blend in well with Yanni Gourde and Pontus Holmberg. Despite not having a lot of size (the AHL site lists him at a generous 5’10”) his is solidly built and can force his way to the front of the net against bigger defensemen.
Duke spent two games with the Lightning last season (and scored his first NHL goal) but has yet to hear his name on the recall list this season. So far the team has gone mostly with Jakob Pelletier and Scott Sabourin when they’ve needed an extra forward, but they also have a long history of rewarding players having strong seasons with recalls.
Other Hockey News
Declan Farmer named MVP as US wins gold in Paralympics hockey [Tampa Bay Times]
There is absolutely zero doubt as to who the greatest hockey player from Tampa is – it’s Declan Farmer. The 28-year-old added another Olympic gold medal (his fourth) as the the US defeated Canada to claim their fifth straight gold.
Top 50 NHL-affiliated Prospects [TSN]
Sam O’Reilly (33) and Benjamin Rautiainen (36) make Craig Button’s list. Not too shabby for an organization that doesn’t all that high.
Ottawa Senators are 26 in Scott Wheeler’s 2026 NHL Prospect Pool Rankings [The Athletic]
Why are we posting this? Well, because Scott Wheeler has yet to mention the Tampa Bay Lightning. In fact, the Senators are the third Atlantic team he’s already covered (Panthers were 32 and Toronto was 29).
How Tampa Bay survived a four-minute shift – stay together, communicate, don’t panic [Lightning Insider]
EE chatted with Ryan McDonagh, Scott Sabourin, and coach Rob Zettler about how a team can survive being stuck out on the ice for an extended time. It’s a nice breakdown of the players’ mindset. The primary thought is “don’t chase”. It wastes energy and creates seams.
Capitals sign Cole Hutson [Japers’ Rink]
Let the college prospect signings begin. With Boston University getting bounced from the playoffs, the Washington Capitals signed one of their top prospects to an entry-level deal. Defenseman Cole Hutson, brother of Montreal’s Lane Hutson, could step into the void created by the trade of John Carlson. Big shoes to fill, but he is a special talent.
Draisaitl could miss games after injury against Nashville [Oilers Nation]
A hit from Ozzy Wiesblatt sent Leo Draisaitl to the locker room. He returned for a couple of shifts before ending his night early. After the game Coach Kris Knoblauch told the media that the medical staff told him there no “red flags” with the injury but he might miss some games. Which works out well for the Lightning, who face the Oilers later this week.
Little Native League beacon for Indigenous youth [Color of Hockey]
“This year’s tournament is the largest ever with 4,500 Indigenous boys and girls from 5-17 years old representing their nations on 272 competitive and recreational teams, playing 680 games on 16 ice sheets at 12 facilities, said Gerard Peltier, the LNHL’s director of hockey operations.”
Recapping the Carolina loss and looking westward [Backchecking the Bolts]
Jason and Justin are back for another round of chit chat. They talked about the frustrating loss to Carolina and look ahead to the West Coast road trip. Yes, there is more trivia.
